EU beefs up sanctions against junta

French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner warned a return to Guinea by junta leader Moussa Dadis Camara could ignite a civil war in the country as the European Union strengthened sanctions against the military regime on Tuesday.

AFP - Guinea's junta leader Moussa Dadis Camara, shot in the head by his aide de camp, could spark a civil war in the west African state if he returns home after treatment abroad, France warned Tuesday.

"I hope that Mr. Dadis Camara remains in his bed in Morocco and that he not return" to Guinea "because he would be capable of sparking a civil war," Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner told the French parliament.

The warning came after a UN panel said Monday a massacre of opposition supporters by Guinean troops in September amounted to "crimes against humanity" and that the military rulers, including Camara, should be held responsible.

On Tuesday, the European Union toughened its sanctions against the junta, introducing an assets freeze and an export ban on equipment that could be used for state repression, diplomats said.

Camara, the self-proclaimed ruler of Guinea, has made no statement or public appearance since he was shot on December 3 by Lieutenant Aboubacar "Toumba" Sidiki Diakite, who is on the run in Guinea.

Camara seized power in the former French colony power a year ago in a military coup hours after the death of Guinea's strongman Lansana Conte, who had ruled the country since 1984.
 

Date created : 2009-12-22